Second district Board Member Vierna Mae Boniel-Maglasang ended her silence and issued a public statement as she claims that she and her family are the objects referred to in a tirade posted on social media.
Moreover, as Maglasang went on air over “Open Forum, Bukas nga Panagsultihay” program on Feb. 2, 2023, hosted by Atty. Greg Austral and Dave Albarado, she revealed her sentiments about the tirade her and her family got in social media.
She said that, at first, she wanted to keep quiet despite being the subject of a negative post. However, some of her family members have been affected by the latest tirade and reacted negatively.
She even had reservations about going on air about the issue. However, she talked to her eldest son and an uncle who both saw the negative posts and both said that they were affected. Thus, she decided to end her silence and finally say her piece.
Normally, Maglasang wouldn’t mind the negative posts against her, but this time she took exception and came out ino the open as some of her family members have shown distress over the negative post.
THE POST
The post was all about allegations saying that the board member was “fooled” by two persons, a reason she is aligning herself with the forces belonging to the opposite camp of the current administration at the Capitol.
Maglasang is currently identified as one among the members of the opposition group at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
To recall, Maglasang ran under the ticket of Padayon Bol-anon led by former Gov. Arthur Yap and former Vice Gov. Rene Relampagos.
The post in social media featured a screenshot saying that the Boniel family allegedly had a meeting and the agendum was to get back to the fold and good graces of the current governor.–Erico Aristotle Aumentado.
Moreover, the post alleged that two persons are the reasons the family supported former Gov. Arthur Yap in the last elections. It was alleged that the family is looking for ways to connect with the governor’s camp. It can be remembered that in 2019, Maglasang ran under the ticket of former Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr.
Following the negative post on social media, she ended her silence and issued a statement to the public also through social media on Feb. 1, 2023. She had to come up with a statement because the latest negative post does not only involve her but also her family and some friends.
Maglasang is the sister of former Board Member Niño Rey Boniel. Niño Rey lost his seat as board member after he was accused of killing his wife, Gisela in 2017. Niño Rey in 2022, pleaded guilty of killing his wife.
THE PUBLIC STATEMENT
We are publishing Maglasang’s public statement in toto for the benefit of the readers.
“It has come to my attention that some people are concocting stories and sowing intrigues in social media against my person dragging my family and those close to me. While as a public servant I welcome criticism related to my work as a way to improve myself, I strongly condemn spreading fake news, malicious stories and twisting facts to besmirch one’s reputation, especially coming from someone who portrays himself to be a ‘crusader of anti-corruption and good governance’ in Bohol.
Ever since I made a stand questioning the allocation of a budget for OGAR (Office of Governance Accountability and Review) in the halls of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, I have been subjected to veiled threats both in and outside the workplace, to pressure me into acquiescing to this leadership’s desire of passing the same without a thorough deliberation.
As a lawmaker, I decry these moves as an affront to our independence, at being perceived as ‘rubber stamps’. I have always tried my best to live up to my sworn mandate of looking after the interests of my constituents especially at the height of the pandemic during my first term, that brought me at odds with the reigning political powers in the district.
Regardless I continued to serve our people with fervor and enthusiasm befitting a true public servant. I shall not allow intrigues and these character assassins to distract me from my job.
To those who bear me ill will, I can only wish you the best of God’s mercy. I sincerely thank those who have been supportive of my political journey in every step of the way. You will always be a part of my growing family.
To my constituents from the Second District whom I represent in the Provincial Board, together we shall overcome the obstacles and challenges to achieve our goals. We have always been a frontrunner in our province’s poverty index and we will work harder to change just that.
To my family, relatives and friends close to me, I sincerely apologize for being maliciously dragged into the spotlight by people who play a game of vengeful and dirty politics.
By the grace of the Almighty God and through all your prayers I seek strength and guidance. Thank you.”
THE SUSPICION
Maglasang suspects that the tirades against her went on overdrive after she stood up and manifested her reservations to the budget alloted for the Office of Government Accountability and Review (OGAR).
Maglasang is one of the four board members who had reservations about the OGAR’s budget. The other board members who manifested their stance against the OGAR budget were Board Members Benjie Arcamo, Aldner Damalerio and Elpidio Bonita.
“Akong nakita nga nagsugod gyud ni [tirades] ato nga time nga wala ko miapprove sa OGAR budget,” she explained.
Maglasang said she had no problem with the other items in the 2023 provincial budget. Her objection is the funding for OGAR in the 2023 provincial budget. The budget was passed because Maglasang and the three other board members were outvoted by the majority in the SP.
She manifested her reservations on the OGAR’s budget because she had plenty of questions which remained unanswered.
Maglasang said she wanted to be certain on the real function of the office created by Gov. Aumentado through Executive Order No. 2 series of 2022 dated June 30, 2023.
The OGAR, based on the executive order, is tasked to investigate and file charges against government officials and employees who are allegedly involved in graft and corruption prior to July 1, 2022 or acts made during the previous administrations.
The executive order was amended in December 2022, where the OGAR’s probe now includes the illegal acts committed by the current administration.
Maglasang wanted to know if OGAR’s function is a duplication of the tasks being performed by other offices. There is the Provincial Internal Audit Office (PIAO) and the Commission on Audit tasked by an ordinance and the Constitution respectively to look into government transactions and see to it these are above board.
She said the OGAR reminds her of the Philippine Truth Commission created by way of an executive order of former President Benigno Aquino III. The Philippine Truth Commission was tasked to find out the truth about the reports of graft and corruption in the administration of former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The creation of Aquino’s Philippine Truth Commission was challenged in court. Eventually, in July 2011, the Supreme Court ruled that the said commission was illegal.
Maglasang also wanted to know the real composition of the OGAR and the members’ status: whether they are volunteers or persons receiving renumeration for their services.
She also wanted that the SP should have a say in the creation of OGAR by way of an ordinance.
NOT A RUBBER STAMP
Maglasang said that she refuses to be a mere “rubber stamp” or someone who just blindly follows the ones in the majority group and foregoing independence. “Dili ko ganahan tawagon ug rubber stamp,” she said.
Maglasang added that she welcomes criticisms about her work as a board member but it is a different story if the tirades involve her and her family.
PLANS
Maglasang said she will consult with her family members whether or not any legal action will be taken against the one who posted the negative post about her and the family.
Negative rumors are nothing new to Maglasang. There have been rumors, too, saying that, allegedly, she blocked the budget for projects in the second district. She clarified that she is fine with the majority of the items in the budget and only OGAR’s budget was the one she had a problem with.
Maglasang said she will use the latest incident as an inspiration to be of service to her constituents in the second district.